Purdue began the season as a potential contender to represent the Leaders Division in the Big Ten championship game. Now the Boilermakers are 0-4 in the conference, and their coach's job is in question.

Following the team's 44-28 loss to Minnesota, Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke issued this statement, in which coach Danny Hope went unnamed.

"Everyone around our football program has high expectations for the 2012 season. We have worked very hard over the past four years to improve our personnel, facilities and every phase of our program, which is evident. Our student-athletes, alumni, fans, coaching staff and administration all expect to see the program move forward and take a step up the postseason ladder.

"Currently, our performance has kept us from reaching our goals. But we have a third of the season left to play, and our focus is to achieve that consistency over the remaining four games. We need to press forward, converting potential into results and having fun playing Boilermaker football."

On Tuesday, Hope said he didn't pay much attention to Burke's statement, calling it "generic" and similar to one made last season. But he did agree that the Boilermakers (3-5, 0-4) have not played to expectations, particularly in last week's 44-28 loss to Minnesota. Hope said he expects the team to bounce back after being "embarrassed" in that game.

"I don't believe this team has given up," Hope said. "We're thin personnel-wise, and we've played poorly against top teams at home. We had some key games marked on the calendar as difference-makers that didn't go our way. We lost a little momentum as a football team, and maybe a little confidence, but those are things we're working on now."

Hope also said that sixth-year senior Robert Marve will start at quarterback against Penn State. Marve, who had two ACL injuries before this season, sustained a third in Purdue's game against Notre Dame on Sept. 8.

Though doctors told Hope that Marve's college career likely was over, the quarterback returned to play four weeks later against Michigan. He threw two touchdown passes in relief against Minnesota to reclaim the starting job.

"I have not been around many players who have paid a bigger price and received as little in return as Robert Marve," Hope said.